New Covenant Online Sermons

Jack Wilson is our founding pastor and a lifelong resident of Western PA.

Jack graduated from Duquesne University with a degree in music education. He studied at Ligonier Valley Study Center with Dr. R.C. Sproul and then went to Pittsburgh Theological Seminary to study with Dr. John H. Gerstner where he received the Master of Arts degree magna cum laude.

This morning at our Senior Saints Bible Study we wrapped up our time in Genesis. We have been using a book by Nancy Guthrie and in the last chapter she wisely and powerfully took us from the prophetic blessing of Judah to the ultimate fulfillment in Revelation where the “Lion of Judah” is revealed as the only one who can open the scroll. I mentioned to the ladies that this was something like the theme we would be exploring together Sunday morning in our study of Colossians. We are going back to the prayer of the apostle we looked at two weeks ago but this time to focus in on the beautiful Old Testament imagery he uses and the deep importance of understanding it.

I vaguely remember seeing something years ago along the lines of “What Christians say” translated to “What Christians mean”. One that I remember, probably because I found it particularly painful was saying “I’ll pray for you” actually meaning nothing. I am sorry that that is often true of some of us and probably at least sometimes true for all of us. It clearly was not true of Paul. In our first week in Colossians we saw that he gave thanks to God for the faithful believers there but now he not only tells them he prays for them but reveals the contents of his prayers on their behalf. I find it most instructive. Hope you will also as we look at it together this week.

So now with Easter behind us and Spring possibly somewhere ahead, we are going to begin studies in the book of Colossians. We get started this week with some introductory matters and a look at how and why this ancient letter is very relevant today.

It was so good to be back with you last week for Palm Sunday, the first tremors of the coming earthquake that is Easter. We celebrate the resurrection every Lord’s Day but most especially on this particular Lord’s Day. No April Fools, we rejoice in the most important truth of all time. Although we will consider some sad and differing views before we truly celebrate the truth and then do so even more dramatically in the Lord’s Supper. He is risen! He is risen indeed!

One of the best known, most frequently performed, and strikingly memorable choir anthems is Randall Thompson’s “The Last Words of David”. I am sure many of you have heard it at one time or another and already have “He that ruleth over men must be just” looping in your heads. You’re welcome. Well, we get to the passage that anthem is based on this week for our penultimate (huh?) sermon from 2 Samuel. Not really David’s last words but important, impressive, and inspiring.

As we move to the close of 2 Samuel we come to the first of two songs or poems. This one is pretty much Psalm 18, some think this version the original and the Psalm later edited a bit for congregational use. It is basically a psalm of praise for God’s rescue and empowerment of the king. Very powerful language to praise a very powerful God.

We are moving into the last section of 2 Samuel. Many call it an appendix but we will see that is not correct, at least in any of the usual uses of that term. It begins with a quite ugly little story that actually turns out to be quite fitting for a communion Sunday.

This week we find David returning to Jerusalem but only to yet another rebellion. The issue is quickly settled but we will see that the kingdom is not. More trouble, turmoil, bloodshed, grace, and lessons. You’ll see.

Those loyal to David have put down the rebellion and, to David’s great grief, killed the rebel leader Absalom. Now the king needs to reunite the nation and there are fears, rivalries, and enduring bitterness to deal with. We saw a number of encounters with interesting individuals as David left Jerusalem, now we see a series of interesting encounters as he returns. We see David very much in charge but acting quite the politician in perhaps the best and worst connotations of that term. David winning the peace, but at what cost?